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PM covers a broad spectrum of issues relevant to all sections of Australia's geographically and culturally diverse community. It looks behind political, economic, industrial, business, social, cultural, rural, regional and arts stories. Below is the program summary with links to transcripts and audio (if available).

Brogden ousts Chikarovski

The Liberal Party has begun a concerted push to win back power in New South Wales, by switching leaders a year ahead of the March 2003 state election. Out went the leader of the past three years, Kerry Chikarovski, who had already failed at one election. In came 33-year-old frontbencher John Brogden. The vote was close – 15-14 in Mr Brogden's favour - but the bickering of the three days since the challenge was announced has now ended. Both the victor and vanquished have pledged to work together to defeat Labor.

Brogden is small-l liberalism

Socially left-wing and fiscally conservative – it is a description closer to the average Australian Democrat of the last few years than to the average Liberal leader. But it is a description the new NSW Liberal leader John Brogden, is happy with. The social small-l liberalism has already alarmed some on the federal Liberal backbench. It has also prompted attacks from the right by the NSW Labor Government - an unusual direction for a Liberal leader to find himself attacked from.

UMP bail-out causes subsidised drug list slashing

The federal health budget is under more pressure after the Health Minister, Kay Patterson, today kicked in $35 million to prop up the main medical indemnity insurer. By stepping in to give the multi-million dollar guarantee, she prevented the collapse of United Medical Protection. The Minister says her action means doctors will not have to withdraw their services. However, reports today indicate that to compensate, she is working through major budget cuts by slashing the list of subsidised drugs.

Art review upsets 'The Italians'

Mark Twain believed "the trade of critic was the most degraded of all trades". He would get no argument from the Italian Government today, after a blistering review by The Australian's art critic on the paper's front page. Under attack, the National Gallery's latest exhibition "The Italians", The Australian review of which has practically caused a diplomatic incident. The critic, Benjamin Genocchio, described the exhibition of old master works from Italy as "a trifle oversold" and "resoundingly average". But representatives of the Italian Government and the National Gallery were so offended they called a press conference, in which an animated Italian Minister threatened to sue the paper.

Lady librarians book 16pc pay rise

You do not often hear about militant librarians, but the people who look after books have a union too and in a New South Wales court today, they notched up a victory. The Industrial Relations Commission ruled library workers have historically been underpaid because their profession has been dominated by women. More than 2,000 State Government librarians and archivists will now get pay rises of around 16 per cent, and the union movement is preparing to test the ruling against other professions.

Amnesty declared as WA Police Royal Commission opens

Perth is a two-royal commission town today. Hot on the heels of the Royal Commission into the building industry, the Royal Commission into Western Australia's police service has opened. There is an amnesty on offer to any officer prepared to come forward and admit to corruption or criminal conduct. The Commissioner, Geoffrey Kennedy QC, says those who take the risk and do not come forward by May 31, face the prospect of being charged.

One.Tel inquiry told of Packer family influence

The One.Tel inquiry has heard an account of the influence wielded by Kerry and James Packer in the operation of the now collapsed company. A former joint chief executive officer, Jodee Rich, has documented his recollection of the Packers' involvement from the witness stand. Among other claims, Mr Rich said James Packer knew of, and approved of, the "over-achievement" bonuses that were to be paid to him and fellow chief executive officer Bradley Keeling.

Light at the end of the carpal tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome, the nerve condition of the wrist often called RSI, has been controversial in Australia since the 1970s. Debate on its causes has swung between repetitive movement on production lines or at keyboards, and a more generalised blaming of bad management setting up psychological tensions. But in terms of business and insurance, the syndrome has spawned a huge number of compensation claims. Now a new study comes as bad news to the industry of ergonomic specialists and compensation lawyers that have mushroomed around the syndrome. The orthopaedic specialist who conducted the study says it will focus attention on the real causes of the ailment.

Rape sentence eases Okinawa tensions

An American serviceman who raped a Japanese woman will spend just over two and a half years in gaol. The sentence, handed down today on the strategic island of Okinawa, was a sensitive one. There has been a series of ugly incidents involving American troops over the years, which have led to widespread protests. Critics of the American bases say they are fairly satisfied with today’s sentence but they will continue their campaign.

Monaro sets US pulses racing

It is a rev-head's dream. The car at the centre of Australian street racing mythology will soon hit the streets of America. The Holden Monaro so impressed the chairman of General Motors in the United States, Bob Lutz, that he has told the New York Motor Show he is planning to bring the revamped coupe to America's shores. However, the rev-head image itself is changing too. It appears Australian corporate women are replacing young men as the buyers of the legendary Monaro.